Sun Mar 16 16:41:49 UTC 2025: ## Zelenskyy Accepts US-Brokered Ceasefire Plan; Putin Remains Noncommittal, Awaiting Trump Call
**KYIV/WASHINGTON D.C. –** A US-brokered 30-day ceasefire proposal for Ukraine has been accepted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but Russia’s response remains hesitant. While President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the plan, he has yet to commit, citing unspecified “serious questions” and suggesting a need to improve Russia’s battlefield position before considering a truce.
This follows high-level diplomatic efforts, including a call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. The two discussed the implementation of understandings reached at a recent US-Russia summit in Saudi Arabia, but the Russian foreign ministry made no mention of the ceasefire proposal. A US State Department spokesperson confirmed discussions regarding “next steps” on Ukraine and a commitment to restoring communication between the US and Russia.
The situation has prompted a planned phone call between US President Donald Trump and President Putin this week, according to US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who expressed optimism about a “good and positive discussion.” Zelenskyy, however, accused Putin of deliberately delaying the ceasefire to gain military advantage and accused Moscow of “lying” about the complexities of the proposal. He also noted that Putin’s actions contradict Trump’s overtures towards Russia.
Meanwhile, fighting continues. Ukraine reported a fatality from a Russian drone attack on Izyum, in the Kharkiv region, highlighting the ongoing conflict despite the ceasefire proposal. Putin claims Russian forces are “advancing” in several areas, suggesting that Russia will continue to press its military campaign while negotiations continue. The situation remains highly volatile, with the ceasefire’s implementation hanging in the balance pending a decision from the Kremlin.
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